clog 1 of 2

Definition of clognext

clog

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb clog contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of clog are fetter, hamper, manacle, shackle, and trammel. While all these words mean "to hinder or impede in moving, progressing, or acting," clog usually implies a slowing by something extraneous or encumbering.

a court system clogged by frivolous suits

Where would fetter be a reasonable alternative to clog?

While in some cases nearly identical to clog, fetter suggests a restraining so severe that freedom to move or progress is almost lost.

a nation fettered by an antiquated class system

When might hamper be a better fit than clog?

The synonyms hamper and clog are sometimes interchangeable, but hamper may imply the effect of any impeding or restraining influence.

hampered the investigation by refusing to cooperate

How does the word shackle relate to other synonyms for clog?

Both shackle and manacle are stronger than fetter and suggest total loss of freedom.

a mind shackled by stubborn prejudice
a people manacled by tyranny

When can trammel be used instead of clog?

The words trammel and clog are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, trammel suggests entangling by or confining within a net.

rules that trammel the artist's creativity

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of clog
Noun
The grains will absorb water and expand, causing a quick clog within hours. Mallory Carra, The Spruce, 11 June 2026 Crocs has collaborated with Oracle Red Bull Racing on a new pair of clogs inspired by the team’s Formula 1 car. Tim Chan, Footwear News, 29 May 2026
Verb
As people age, cholesterol and fat gradually clog the walls of two large arteries carrying oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026 Eventually, a rabbit hole will clog with documents. Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for clog
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clog
Noun
  • Despite these obstacles, the Cuban government faces a short window for obtaining results, said Paolo Spadoni, associate professor in the Department of Social Sciences at Augusta University in Georgia.
    Andrea Rodríguez, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • Rather than simply advocating for preservation, the organization is working directly with property owners to better understand what obstacles stand in the way of restoring some of Hollywood’s most recognizable landmarks.
    Daily News, Daily News, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • To combat bots, Ticketmaster, the primary ticketing platform for many concerts, blocks automated software, identifies and shuts down fake accounts and cancels orders that violate its policies.
    Sydney Goh, CNBC, 27 June 2026
  • The fabric is also waterproof and has RFID-blocking protection.
    Jackie Cucco, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • The investigation also compliments previous claims that CCC’s regulations impede coastal infrastructure projects, which has drawn criticism from multiple political fronts over the last year.
    Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 27 June 2026
  • Supporters had campaigned for Merlin to be allowed into the Azteca to witness Mexico’s final group game — but the dabbler found his free passage impeded on Wednesday evening by FIFA regulations.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • But the technology still faces hurdles, experts said, and labor groups including the Teamsters are raising alarms over safety and availability of jobs.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • Cuban leaders like former President Raúl Castro – who still wields significant power on the island – have sought to push forward more limited reforms of Cuba’s economy in the past, but efforts have run into bureaucratic hurdles.
    Andrea Rodriguez, Fortune, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Some patients develop spasms of the vocal cords that obstruct the airway.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Brown was hampered by a back injury in college, but that wasn’t enough to scare away the Nets.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 24 June 2026
  • Investors are advised to avoid ASA, as its future performance appears hampered by both gold's current stagnation and management issues.
    Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • He was charged with stalking, disturbing the peace and obstruction for failure to identify himself to law enforcement.
    Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 18 June 2026
  • Latino drivers made up 38% of stops for window obstruction.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Combine gin, lime juice, syrup, Aperol and dry Curaçao in a shaker filled with ice.
    Angela Hansberger, AJC.com, 25 June 2026
  • Parents are looking for activities that do more than fill the hours, and a good cooking class can hand a child real skills, real confidence and a few recipes worth making again at home.
    Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 24 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clog. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on clog

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster